The reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Chicago Blackhawks, hosted the Boston Bruins in a rematch of last season’s championship series and it was even more exciting that anyone could have predicted.

Both sides had great scoring chances throughout the contest, there were some stellar defensive plays, and it was palpable that the rivalry keeps growing between these two teams after each game. The regulation 65 minutes weren’t enough decide a winner and the Blackhawks were the ones who clinched the win thanks to their accuracy in the shootout round.

The Blackhawks dominated early and got themselves an early lead thanks to Marian Hossa, who found the back of the net in the first five minutes of the game. The Bruins, however, weren’t going to put back and two goals from Brad Marchand – one in the first period and one in the second – flipped the scoreboard in Boston’s favor.

Brandon Bollig evened things up for the Blackhawks and when most people expected Chicago to get the lead back – they even had several PP chances that they couldn’t capitalize on – neither side scored again. The OT period was as thrilling as it could’ve been and since the game had to be decided in the SO round, Chicago was far more accurate and net two of their three shots – thanks to Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews – to come away with the win.

Either team could’ve won the game and based on what both sides showed today, there’s a chance that they can face each other in the Stanley Cup once again this season. Today showed that the Bruins and the Blackhawks are two of the best teams in the NHL and they have enough weapons to make a deep playoff run once again.